A review of the Lotus M100 Elan Sports Car, covering the development, important features and technical data of this 28th model in the Lotus range.
In this article, I offer a nostalgic look at the Lotus M100 Elan, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1989 to 1992.
The M100 Elan Series 1
The original Lotus Elan sports car, designated the Type 26, was launched in October 1962 at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in London, and was renamed the Lotus Elan 1500.
It was phased out in 1975, having evolved into a number of variants, the latest being the Elan Plus Two.
In 1986, the future of Lotus was assured when it was acquired by General Motors.
However, the idea of a small convertible, with an outsourced engine, remained alive and design work began in 1986.
Consequently, in August 1989, the Elan was relaunched, at Motorfair in Earl’s Court London, as the Lotus M100 Elan Series 1 sports car, having been designated the Type M100.
In fact, two variants were offered:
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The standard non-turbocharged model, the Elan 1.6, developed 130 bhp at 7200 rpm and 105 ft-lbs of torque at 4200 rpm.
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The turbocharged special equipment model, the Elan SE, with an “SE” badge on the trunk lid, developed 165 bhp at 6,600 rpm and 148 ft / lbs of torque at 4,200 rpm.
The Elan was a two-seater convertible, designed by Peter Steven of Lotus, and featured a fiberglass body on a steel chassis, with four-wheel independent suspension.
It was conceived as a mass market convertible, the target market being the US.
The M100 was the first, and indeed the last, front-wheel drive car built by Lotus.
After its launch, the press reaction was somewhat mixed, but it quickly earned praise for being “the best front-wheel car”.
It was powered by the Japanese Isuzu 4XE1 1588cc, double overhead cam, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, multi-point fuel injection engine with an alloy cylinder head and cast iron block, as used in the Isuzu Impulse saloon.
In addition, as a result of extensive modification by Lotus and equipped with an IMI turbocharger, the SE variant developed 165 hp, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph.
It had a five-speed gearbox and power-assisted disc brakes throughout.
Typical changes made to the Isuzu-Lotus engine included a new exhaust system, modified suspension, and an update to the engine management system to improve torque.
The M100 Elan Series 2
Unfortunately, the launch of the M100 coincided with the onset of the economic downturn in the UK and US, combined with the introduction of the Mazda MX-5 sports convertible, which was marketed with the nostalgic concept of the original Elan, while the M100 focused on new technology.
Simply put, the Elan was deemed the right product at the wrong time.
Furthermore, sales of both variants were insufficient to recoup the huge development costs.
Consequently, when Lotus was sold to Bugatti in 1993, the loss-making M100 was discontinued.
Between November 1989 and July 1992, a total of 3,855 M100s were built, of which all but 130 were the turbocharged SE variant.
A limited edition version, for the US market, featured a redesigned body with an alternate rear spoiler, a nose that was extended to meet US regulations, and larger 16-inch wheels.
A total of 559 units of this variant were built.
Between June 1994 and September 1995, while Lotus was owned by Bugatti, a limited edition of 800 turbocharged Elan M100 Series 2 sports car units was built following the chance discovery of a warehouse full of surplus engines and gearboxes.
This model was equipped with a new dashboard, the power steering was updated, and the suspension was stiffened.
Since catalytic converters needed to be installed in the Bosal exhaust system at the time, the power output of the Series 2 SE variant was reduced to 155 hp, while the 0-60 mph time increased to 7.5 seconds. .
ABS was only available on Series 2 models.
With improved build quality and improved interiors, the Series 2 was a greater success than the Series 1.
When production of the Series 2 ended in 1995, South Korea’s Kia Motors acquired the rights to build its own version of the Elan.
This marked the end of the Lotus M100 Elan
Perhaps this walk down memory lane could have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:
What is Lotus Sports Car You Favorite?
However, if this question still remains unanswered, I will review, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of Lotus sports cars that were featured in the memorable era spanning from 1952 to 1996.
I hope you will join me on my nostalgic travels “down sports car memory lane.”